bicuspid aortic valve a congenital anomaly of the aortic valve, caused by incomplete separation of two of the three cusps; it is generally asymptomatic early in life but is predisposed to calcification and stenosis later on.

Heimlich valve a small one-way valve used for chest drainage, emptying into a flexible collection device; the valve prevents return of gases or fluids into the pleural space. The Heimlich valve is less than 13 cm (5 inches) long and facilitates patient ambulation; it can be used in many patients instead of a traditional water seal drainage system.

ileocecal valve (ileocolic valve) the valve guarding the opening between the ileum and cecum.

mitral valve the cardiac valve between the left atrium and left ventricle, usually having two cusps (anterior and posterior). Called also bicuspid valve.

Valves of the heart. The right heart pumps the venous blood into the lungs. The oxygenated blood returns from the lungs into the left atrium and is propelled by the left ventricle into the aorta. The insets show closed valves: the tricuspid valve has three leaflets, whereas the mitral valve has two leaflets. The aortic and pulmonary artery valves have three leaflets and resemble one another except for the fact that the coronary arteries originate from behind the cusps in the aorta. From Damjanov, 1996.

posterior urethral valve any of various types of congenital folds across the proximal part of the male urethra near the seminal colliculus, the most common cause of urethral obstruction in male infants.

pulmonary valve (pulmonic valve) the pocketlike cardiac valve that protects the orifice between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

pyloric valve a prominent fold of mucous membrane at the pyloric orifice of the stomach.

tilting-disk valve a heart valve prosthesis consisting of a sewing ring and a valve housing containing a suspended disk that swings between open and closed positions.

tricuspid valve that guarding the opening between the right atrium and right ventricle.

ureteral valve a congenital transverse fold across the lumen of the ureter, composed of redundant mucosa made prominent by circular muscle fibers; it usually disappears in time but may rarely cause urinary obstruction.

valve

(vălv)

n.

1. A membranous structure in a hollow organ or passage, as in an artery, that folds or closes to prevent the return flow of the body fluid passing through it.

2. Any of various devices that regulate the flow of gases, liquids, or loose materials through piping or through apertures by opening, closing, or obstructing ports or passageways.

3. The movable control element of such a device.

valve

[valv]

Etymology: L, valva, folding door

a natural structure or artificial device in a passage or vessel that prevents reflux of the fluid contents passing through it. Valves in veins are membranous folds that prevent backflow of blood. valvular,adj.

Bauhin valve

Béraud valve

bicuspid valve

Bjork-Shiley heart valve

A synthetic artificial heart valve that is no longer commercially available but remains implanted in thousands of patients. The valve has been known to fracture at its struts during use, which results in death in the majority of cases.

CARDIAC VALVES: with ventricles relapsed

cardiac valve

Any of the four valves that prevent the backflow of blood as it passes into, through, and out of the heart. In order of the entry of the venous blood into the right atrium, they are the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic. See: illustration

inspiratory impedance threshold valve

internal nasal valve

Krause valve

left atrioventricular valve

mitral valve

The valve that closes the orifice between the left cardiac atrium and the left ventricle during ventricular systole.

Synonym: bicuspid valve; left atrioventricular valve

nasal valve

The site of greatest obstruction to airflow through the nasal passages. It extends from the bony cave near the piriform aperture into part of the cartilaginous vestibule of the nose. Synonym: internal nasal valve

pop-off valve

A safety valve that releases gas into the atmosphere from a ventilator circuit when the pressure in the circuit exceeds a known, safe level.

prosthetic heart valve

A substitute valve used to replace a diseased valve. There are two main types of prostheses: those made from biological tissues, e.g., the heart valves of animals, esp. pigs, and those made from biocompatible materials, e.g., metals or polymers. Biocompatible mechanical valves may be constructed in a variety of ways, e.g., from a ball that moves up and down in a cage; with bileaflet valves that close in the midline; or with a single leaflet (which tilts to open and close). See: illustration

pulmonary valve

The valve at the junction of the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. It is composed of three semilunar cusps and prevents regurgitation of blood from the pulmonary artery back into the right ventricle. See: cardiac valve for illus.

pyloric valve

The prominent circular membranous fold at the pyloric orifice of the stomach. Synonym: valvula pylori

reducing valve

A device to reduce the pressure of gas that has been compressed in a cylinder.

right atrioventricular valve

semilunar valve

thebesian valve

tricuspid valve

Abbreviation: TV

The valve that closes the orifice between the right cardiac atrium and right ventricle during ventricular systole. Synonym: right atrioventricular valve; valvula tricuspidalis See: cardiac valve for illus.

in anesthetic circuits, it prevents exhaled gas from returning to the patient.

portal valve

regulates the amount of venous blood entering the kidney.

pressure reducing valve

see reducing valve (below).

pyloric valve

a prominent fold of mucous membrane at the pyloric orifice of the stomach.

reducing valve

a special valve used on anesthetic machines and which reduces the pressure of the gas reaching the exit valve so that control of the flow is made easier. Called also regulator.

semilunar v's

valves made up of semilunar segments or cusps (valvulae semilunares), guarding the entrances into the aorta and pulmonary artery.

thebesian valve

coronary valve.

valve tube

a thermionic diode that permits the flow of electric current in an x-ray machine in only one direction.

Patient discussion about valve

Q. How does alcohol affect someone who has been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis? My brother has been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis and also is a smoker and does drink alcohol on the weekends. He knows that he should stop smoking but what about the effects of alcohol? Does this also contribute to his stenosis?

A. Alcohol changes blood pressure and speed of the heart- that is not a good idea if you have an Aortic stenosis. Could probably makes things worst. I would avoid alcohol… but he should ask GP.

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